There is a particular kind of energy that settles over the Hunter Valley as the days lengthen and the vines shake off winter. Spring brings bud burst to the rows around Pokolbin, and by the time summer arrives the region is in full swing, with cellar doors, paddocks and lawns hosting everything from long lunches to headline concerts.
If you are planning a visit between September 2026 and February 2027, here is our guide to the events worth building a trip around, along with a few suggestions for slotting a stop at Ivanhoe into the itinerary.
Festivals and Family Days Out
Spring opens with Sculpture in the Vineyards, running from 12 to 27 September 2026 in nearby Broke Fordwich. Sculptures are set among the vines for visitors to wander through at their own pace, with guided buggy tours, self-guided walking trails and complimentary tastings at participating wineries adding to the appeal.
A fortnight later, the skies above the valley fill with colour for the Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Fiesta, held from 3 to 5 October 2026. Dawn flights over the vineyards are the drawcard, but there is family entertainment on the ground too for those who would rather keep their feet on solid earth.
Families visiting during the school break should also look out for the Spring School Holidays programme at Hunter Valley Gardens, running from late September into October, and Rose Week, from 12 to 18 October, when the Gardens' rose collection is at its most photogenic.
Food, Wine and Long Lunches
The Hunter Valley's calendar of long lunches and shared tables picks up considerably through spring. The Long Table Lunch at Stonehurst Cedar Creek on 26 September and the Lawn Sessions at Pepper Tree Wines on 4 October both pair relaxed vineyard dining with live music, and are well suited to a leisurely afternoon with friends. For a blend of wine and the arts, Art Immersion at Winmark Sculpture Park on 16 September is also worth a look.
For those closer to Sydney, Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral brings a taste of the region to the harbour on 18 October, with local wineries and food producers setting up along the beachfront.
Live Music and Concerts
Music lovers are well catered for this season. The Red Hot Summer Tour, featuring Australian Crawl and Men at Work among others, rolls into Roche Estate on 31 October, kicking off a run of outdoor concerts that continues into summer.
On 5 December, A Day on the Green returns to Bimbadgen Estate with a nineties-flavoured line-up of Boys II Men, Salt-N-Pepa and Bell Biv DeVoe, always a popular fixture on the valley's music calendar and one worth booking well ahead of time.
For something more intimate, the Rare Bird Ensemble Dinner Cabaret at Winmark Wines on 17 September pairs live performance with dinner in a smaller, more relaxed setting, while Dashville Nights on 27 September brings live performances from regional artists.
Markets Worth a Wander
If your visit does not align with a major festival, the region's regular markets are reliably worth a detour. Pokolbin Market runs every Sunday, and Handmade in the Hunter Markets every Saturday, both showcasing local makers, produce and crafts. Winmark's First Saturday Lunch, held monthly, is another easy way to enjoy a slower-paced weekend in the valley.
On the Fairway
Golf enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in November, with the NSW Golf Open taking place at Cypress Lakes from 12 to 15 November, followed by The Vintage Black Tee Challenge on 16 November. Both draw keen players and spectators to the region and make for a good excuse to extend a weekend stay.
Looking Ahead to Christmas
Hunter Valley Gardens has confirmed that planning is well underway for the return of the Christmas Lights Spectacular, its much-loved festive light display, for the 2026/27 season, with dates to be announced closer to the time. Elsewhere, Christmas at Chateau Elan runs from 1 November to 21 December, offering festive dining and celebration packages for groups, and those after something a little different might enjoy the Murder Mystery Takeover: Halloween Edition or the Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner at Hunter Valley Resort.
Make Ivanhoe Part of Your Trip
Whichever events draw you to the Hunter Valley this season, we would love for a visit to Ivanhoe to be part of the day. Our cellar door in Pokolbin sits on eighty acres of volcanic soil beneath the Brokenback Range, and as our wines are not sold in bottle shops, a tasting with us is the only way to try them. Between festival stops and long lunches, book a seated personal or premium tasting, or ask us about joining the Round Table Wine Club to keep a little piece of the Hunter Valley coming to your door long after the season ends.